The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) has informed 4BR that they are determined to continue to provide a proactive approach in seeking partnership links to enhance the future development of the brass band movement in the UK.

That was the message that came out of their Annual General Meeting held at Boarshurst Band Club on the weekend, where the official business of the organisation was added to by presentations made by guest speakers, mental health advocate Tabby Kerwin and 4BR Editor Iwan Fox.

Executive Committee

Mark Wilkinson was re-elected as Chairman, with the Executive Officer roles taken once again by Nick Garman (secretary), David Ashworth (Treasurer) and Martin Heartfield (Training Development Officer).

Chris King took over the role of Press & Publicity Officer from David Hirst who in turn was joined by Sheona White on the Executive Committee alongside the elected Simone Rebello and Brett Baker. Thanks were expressed by Mark Wilkinson for the work and expertise offered by Kevin Wadsworth during his period on the Executive Committee.

The Association has 77 full members with an additional 7 trainees currently participating in the organisation's training schemes.

Shape future

Interest from potential new members has also increased, with Chairman Mark Wilkinson speaking of his desire to see AoBBA widen the scope of its proactive approach — one which could help shape future developments in banding's contesting structures, artistic and performance spheres.

He told 4BR: "We feel the Association has a key role to play and we welcome the opportunity to work with contest promoters, national organisations and local and regional associations to do this. Our members offer a vast range of experience and knowledge which can be linked together to benefit the movement as a whole."

Mental health

That was certainly shown with the response to the presentation on mental health issues in banding given by Tabby Kerwin.

Numerous questions were raised and discussed concerning identifying, dealing with and potentially stopping mental health issues from arising within a banding environment, with the members offering personal anecdotal evidence to support Tabby's assertion that good mental health awareness was essential to the overall good health of the movement.

Writing on her Facebook page Tabby responded to the day by saying: "It was a really great afternoon starting the conversation about mental health in brass bands with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators and how as judges we can play a part in supporting musicians, creating resilience and looking after our own mental health.

Thanks so much for the invitation and the great discussion with the members with lots to think about.

This felt like a massive positive step into starting the conversation on a still seemingly taboo subject and I'll write about the ins and outs of it in more depth in the next few days. It shows that when we start conversations we can start to make small steps to strengthen, diversify and look forwards."

AoBBA is determined to play a proactive role in the future development of the banding movement and we offer our experience and knowledge to any organisation who wishes to work alongside usMark Wilkinson

Public perception

The second presentation was made by 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and looked at the general public's perception of the banding movement following the airing of the Sky Arts series, 'Battle of the Bands' — and how those perceptions could be addressed in a progressive manner.

He added: "My thanks go to the Association for the invitation and the response to the questions that arose. It showed that the Association has a key partnership role to play."

Proactive role

In response, Mark Wilkinson added: "AoBBA is determined to play a proactive role in the future development of the banding movement and we offer our experience and knowledge to any organisation who wishes to work alongside us.

We want to see the banding movement flourish and increase partnership links to do so.

Our thanks also go to Tabby and Iwan for furthering our understating and awareness of these important issues — ones which will further enhance our member's knowledge and working practices."